About the Global Initiative for Resource Efficient Cities (GI-REC)
In June 2012 at the Rio+20 global summit on sustainable development, UN Environment launched the Global Initiative for Resource Efficient Cities (GI-REC) to capitalize on the potential for cities to lead action towards greater resource efficiency.
GI-REC is a cooperation platform offered by UN Environment to connect many different institutions that are using systems approaches (specifically urban metabolism and morphology approaches) towards building low-carbon, resilient, and resource efficient cities.
Using UN Environment’s convening ability, the Initiative distinguishes itself from other city sustainability activities by
-
(a) building on existing city networks, and
-
(b) having a sustainable consumption and production entry point to assist cities with realizing the economic, social and environmental benefits of resource efficiency.
GI-REC Tools and Support Mechanisms
Creating Knowledge
Developing tools and research products
In various fields related to resource efficiency and SCP as well as to increase access, processing and use of resources through supply chain and life cycle management, to facilitate decision-making in creating solutions to improve efficiency of processes and use of resources within and across value chains, taking a Life-Cycle approach.
Piloting
Network Platform
GI-REC provides a mechanism for decision makers to exchange experiences, share best practices, and establish a peer-review process across cities for further improving access to resources and their efficient use.
Check out the list of Partner Organizations
Latest News
Growing in Circles: climate-ready, resilient, resource-efficient, and equitable cities10 October 2019 - 09:39
Jardim Helian – Creating a Sustainable Neighborhood in São Paulo5 February 2019 - 09:25
Circular economy indicators: what do they measure?23 November 2018 - 09:39
UN Environment Events at the World Urban Forum featuring GI-REC12 March 2018 - 14:23
Two publications launched at the World Urban Forum8 February 2018 - 15:16
Economy Division, Cities Unit